THE LONDON Marathon could be cancelled under Government plans to stop the spread of coronavirus in the UK.

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The possibility of the event being halted was announced by Health Secretary Matt Hancock. The Conservative MP suggested officials could look into restricting participation in the London Marathon or potentially putting a stop to the event because of the outbreak. However, he added it was “far too early” to make a decision on the issue.

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The announcement came as Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the coronavirus was “likely to become more significant” after he convened an emergency COBRA meeting to discuss the deadly disease.

Hugh Brasher, London Marathon events director, said: “We are monitoring closely the developments relating to the spread of coronavirus and noting the updates and advice given by the UK Government, the World Health Organisation and other UK public bodies.

“With just under eight weeks to go before the event on Sunday April 26, we will continue to monitor the situation.”

The London Marathon could be cancelled because of coronavirus (Image: Getty)

Thousands of spectators and runners line the route every year (Image: Getty)

The London Marathon has been held annually for 38 years.

It is attended by 750,000 spectators and more than 40,000 people, both professional and amateurs, take to the streets to participate.

The route snakes around the River Thames, from Greenwich to St James’s Palace.